merrill newman landed at sfo yesterday to plenty of fanfare. here is lisa amin gulezian with more. [cheers and applause] >> reporter: he held on to the ones he missed most while being detained in north korea. after traveling some 24 hours, he's finally back in the bay area. >> it's been a great homecoming. i'm tired, but ready to be with my family. >> the 85-year-old was a man of few words while at san francisco international airport. >> what's the first thing you are going to do when you make it back through your door? >> i think probably take my shoes off. >> after leaving sfo the newman family came here to their second home in santa cruz. it's a house they have owned for decades. once inside they have been relaxing and spending time together. this is a photo taken of merrill and his wife leigh having lunch. they aren't returning to their primary residence in palo alto, where yellow ribbons were tied by neighbors as a symbol of merrill's safe return. vice president biden had this to say. >> there is a piece of good news. the dprk today released someone they never should have had